Top 9 Best Fishing Rod And Reel Combos For Beginners
Hello! If you’re searching for the best fishing rod and reel combos for beginners, you’re in the right place.
Some beginners want a good fishing combo to become an expert fisherman, while others just want to fish casually or give it a try. It’s important to find an affordable combo that is light, balanced, and easy to use. This will make it easier for you to learn and start fishing. However, other factors like durability, strength, and sensitivity are also important. We carefully examined and tested various combos available in the market to identify the best options for beginners. After four days of testing, we have identified the nine best combos.
If you’re in a hurry and want our top recommendation, it’s the Penn Fierce III Spinning Combo. This combo is suitable for beginners and has stainless steel parts, a graphite composite rod blank, and an aluminum reel body. It’s not only lightweight and balanced but also strong, sensitive, and durable. It is made with high-quality materials, making it the best choice available.
If the Penn Fierce III is beyond your budget, don’t worry. We have included a wide range of beginner’s combos. Whether you have a limited budget, want to catch fish in the surf, or try fly fishing, we have options for you.
🏆 CHECK OUT OUR EDITOR’S CHOICE
QUICK OVERVIEW
Top 9 Best Fishing Rod And Reel Combos
PRODUCTS
FEATURES
- Power: Medium
- Action: Extra Fast
- Ball Bearings: 4+1
- Power: Medium
- Action: Moderate Fast
- Ball Bearings: 1
- Power: Medium Heavy
- Action: Fast
- Ball Bearings: 4+1
- Power: Medium Heavy
- Action: Moderate Fast
- Ball Bearings: 5+1
- Power: Ranges from Ultra Light to Medium Heavy
- Action: Moderate Fast
- Ball Bearings: 1
- Power: Ranges from Ultra Light to Medium Heavy
- Action: Fast
- Ball Bearings: 3+1
- Power: Ranges from Medium to Medium Heavy
- Action: Ranges from Moderate Fast to Fast
- Ball Bearings: 10+1
- Power: Ranges from Medium to Heavy
- Action: Ranges from Moderate Fast to Fast
- Ball Bearings: 9+1
- Power: Medium
- Action: Moderate Fast
- Ball Bearings: 1+1
🏆 OUR EDITOR’S Pick
Penn Fierce III Spinning Combo
Best Fishing Rod And Reel Combos
- Durable Aluminum Body
- Versatile Sling Mounts
- Inline Bolt System
1. Penn Fierce III Spinning Combo
Features:
Let’s get started with the Penn Fierce III Spinning Combo. This combo is exceptional in every aspect and is perfect for new anglers due to its lightweight and user-friendly design.
Although Penn hasn’t provided specific weight information, I can assure you that the Penn Fierce III is impressively light. As an experienced angler of 21 years, I found casting with this combo to be effortless. The reel seat placement ensures a balanced feel during casting, and combined with the overall lightness of the rod and reel, you can comfortably cast all day without feeling fatigued.
One remarkable feature of this combo is the HT-100 drag washers. Unlike traditional drags that increase as line leaves the reel, the HT-100 drag washers heat up, reducing friction and maintaining a consistent drag. This results in smooth retrieval, particularly when battling strong-fighting fish. The consistent drag makes reeling in fish easier, which is especially beneficial for beginners.
Now that we’ve established the suitability of this combo for beginners, let’s explore its performance in other areas.
The Penn Fierce III is built to last, thanks to its stainless steel and aluminum components. The combo includes stainless steel ball bearings and guides, along with an aluminum reel body and sideplates. Stainless steel and aluminum are durable materials, and they are further protected by an aluminum oxide layer, which prevents corrosion. This combination of materials and protective layer ensures the combo’s toughness and longevity.
In terms of sensitivity, the Penn Fierce III Combo’s rod is highly responsive due to its extra fast action. This means it can detect even the most subtle bites from small fish and easily pick up on bites from larger fish.
However, it’s worth noting that the combo may lack in strength compared to some other options. While it is still capable with medium power and a maximum drag of 15 pounds, there are stronger combos available. The Penn Fierce III is best suited for handling medium-sized and slightly larger fish. If you encounter larger fish, you may find it more challenging to reel them in.
One aspect that could be improved is the packaging. When I received the combo, the box was relatively thin. Fortunately, the rod and reel were undamaged, but better packaging would be beneficial.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Penn Fierce III Combo is an outstanding rod and reel combo that excels in every aspect. It is reasonably priced, making it the ideal choice for beginners who want the best combo available.
2. Wild Water Starter Fly Rod Combo
Features:
Next on our list is the Wild Water Starter Fly Rod Combo, an excellent choice for beginners in fly fishing. This comprehensive combo is specifically designed to cater to newcomers, providing an optimized experience for trying out various fly fishing techniques.
Let’s begin with the fly fishing rod, which measures 9 feet. This length is ideal for practicing different casting techniques. It strikes a balance, being suitable for smaller bodies of water without feeling awkward, yet offering enough backbone for larger water bodies.
The moderate fast action of the rod is a key feature. It provides stiffness that encourages beginners to focus on leveraging their casts rather than relying solely on arm strength. At the same time, it offers enough flexibility to prevent snapping the fly off during abrupt movements.
Moreover, this combo includes a 5-weight fly rod. In fly fishing, the weight of the rod determines its strength. Starting with a 5-weight rod is recommended as it allows for casting the full range of flies (lures) effectively. It provides the accuracy needed for casting dry flies and the necessary backbone for heavier nymphs.
In summary, the Wild Water Starter Fly Rod Combo is perfectly suited for those venturing into fly fishing. In addition to the fly rod, the combo includes a fly reel, 9 flies, fly line, a fly box with a capacity of 372 flies, and a nylon carrying case. The carrying case is equipped with a rod tube, reel pouch, and ample space for other fishing gear, ensuring you have everything you need for fly fishing.
Notably, this combo features stainless steel guides and an aluminum reel body with stainless steel internal components, making it durable and capable of withstanding rough handling.
The only downside is that obtaining specific specifications for this combo proved challenging, as Wild Water did not provide detailed information on their product page. We had to rely on our own assessments, testing the power, action, and drag through casting with various fishing lines.
Despite this minor inconvenience, the Wild Water Starter Fly Rod Combo is an exceptional choice for beginners, offering comprehensive features. For those interested in fly fishing, this combo stands out as the best rod and reel combo available.
3. Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcast Combo
Features:
If your main focus is bass fishing, then the Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcast Combo is the ideal choice. While baitcasters can be more challenging to use, they offer superior results when targeting bass.
Baitcasting tackle requires more skill and even intermediate anglers sometimes hesitate to use them. However, the advantages they bring to bass fishing are undeniable. Bass fishing often involves heavier lines, typically 15-pound line and above. Spinning tackle is not efficient for casting such heavy lines, and a baitcaster is necessary to achieve the desired results.
The Abu Garcia Black Max Combo is designed to be lightweight and well-balanced, which is advantageous for beginners. While learning the casting technique can be challenging, this beginner-friendly combo minimizes the effort required. Weighing only 14.4 ounces, this rod and reel combo allows you to cast repeatedly without fatigue.
Additionally, the medium-heavy power and 15 pounds of drag are suitable for handling even the largest bass. The fast action of the rod provides sensitivity to detect the bites of smaller bass as well.
Furthermore, this combo is equipped with stainless steel bearings and guides, ensuring durability and a long lifespan.
Overall, if you are planning to fish for bass, the Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcast Combo is a worthy option to consider. Learning to cast with a baitcaster may not be easy, but your efforts will be rewarded when you start catching bass after bass.
4. Penn Battle II Spinning Combo
Features:
The Penn Battle II Spinning Combo is another excellent offering from Penn, specifically designed for surf fishing. Surf fishing requires longer and more durable rods, and the Penn Battle II delivers precisely that.
Similar to the Penn Fierce III, the Penn Battle II features stainless steel bearings and an aluminum body and sideplates. However, it differs in terms of the guides used, employing aluminum oxide guides instead of stainless steel. Aluminum oxide is a corrosion-resistant coating, and the increased usage of this material enhances the overall durability of the Penn Battle II Combo, surpassing even the Penn Fierce III in this regard.
This combo offers increased strength, with medium-heavy power and 25 pounds of stopping power. This additional strength is particularly beneficial for surf anglers, especially when dealing with larger fish in the sea.
However, it is worth noting that the moderate-fast action of the rod means it is less responsive compared to an extra-fast rod. Nevertheless, when fishing in the surf, the primary focus is not on smaller fish, making the reduced responsiveness less of a drawback.
The real drawback of this combo is its weight. While the reel is light for its size (6000), the rod itself is heavier than average. As a result, the overall weight of the combo falls into the average range, which may not be ideal for new anglers. However, due to the limited availability of lightweight surf fishing combos on the market, especially considering the necessary length of surf rods, the Penn Battle II Combo still stands out as the best option for beginners.
Regarding the choice of the Penn Battle II Combo over the Battle III, the main consideration was the excessive drag of the Battle III. The higher drag settings of the Battle III can lead to casting issues, as even the lowest drag setting still creates significant friction. For this reason, the Penn Battle II Combo was selected as the preferred option.
Overall, despite the packaging concerns shared with the Penn Fierce III Combo, the Penn Battle II Spinning Combo remains the top choice for beginners in surf fishing. It offers exceptional performance, although improvements in packaging would be appreciated.
5. Zebco 33 Spincast Combo
Features:
At number 5, we have the Zebco 33 Spincast Combo, which is the easiest combo to use, especially for beginners.
Spincast combos are known for their simplicity. You just press a button to release the line and press it again to stop. This makes it much easier compared to spinning reels or baitcasters that require additional adjustments. It’s no wonder that this combo is considered the easiest for beginners. In fact, even my preschool-aged child was able to catch five fish with it.
If a preschooler can handle it, anyone can. However, one limitation of spincast combos, as you can see from the specifications, is their limited drag and line capacity. Due to these factors, you can typically only catch medium-sized fish at best, and even then, it will be quite a challenge.
Spincast combos are generally made with cheaper and lower-quality materials, as they are intended for kids and beginners. This is evident in the Zebco 33, where the only stainless steel component is the ball bearings.
Nevertheless, among spincast combos, the Zebco 33 stands out as the best available option. It is relatively lightweight, strong, and durable. Additionally, it is reasonably priced. If ease of use is your top priority, the Zebco 33 Spincast Combo is a solid choice.
Please note that we had to manually experiment to determine the drag since it was not specified, so our estimation may be slightly inaccurate.
6. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Combo
Features:
The Ugly Stik GX2 Combo is an excellent option for those on a tight budget, as it offers durability at an affordable price.
Ugly Stik rods have gained a reputation for being highly durable. While the claim of being indestructible may be an exaggeration, Ugly Stik rods, including the GX2, are constructed with Ugly Tech technology, which contributes to their robustness. With the track record of Ugly Tech producing heavy-duty rods, it’s safe to assume that the Ugly Stik GX2 Combo will withstand the test of time.
However, the use of Ugly Tech construction does come with a trade-off – increased weight. To achieve exceptional toughness, more fiberglass is used, resulting in a heavier rod. Additionally, the combo may feel unbalanced.
In essence, you are sacrificing lightweight design for extreme ruggedness. Higher-end combos may offer both qualities, but considering the Ugly Stik GX2 Combo’s price of only $60, it’s hard to complain. You can start fishing with this combo at an affordable cost, and the only downside is that you may tire more quickly due to the weight. Considering that many combos at this price point are of lower quality, the Ugly Stik GX2 Combo is a solid choice and your best bet.
7. KastKing Sharky III Spinning Combo
Features:
When it comes to smoothness, the KastKing Sharky III Combo stands unrivaled.
With an impressive 10+1 ball bearings, the KastKing Sharky III offers an exceptionally smooth operation. The number of bearings in a fishing reel directly correlates to its smoothness. Comparing it to the other combos on this list, it becomes evident that this reel excels in providing a superior level of smoothness.
However, smoothness is not the only advantage of this combo. The KastKing Sharky III Combo is also powerful, responsive, and remarkably lightweight, weighing in at just 13.1 ounces.
Despite its impressive features, this combo does have one drawback – durability. Its components are not as high-quality and durable as those found in more expensive combos. Consequently, you may need to invest more time in maintenance to ensure it continues to perform at a high level. If you are willing to put in the effort and prioritize smoothness above all else, the KastKing Sharky III is definitely a combo worth considering for beginners.
8. KastKing Centron Spinning Combo
Features:
If you liked the Sharky III but found it to be beyond your budget, the KastKing Centron Spinning Combo is an excellent alternative to consider.
Upon examining the specifications, you’ll notice that this combo has only one less ball bearing compared to the Sharky III. However, it comes at a significantly lower price point. The difference in price can be attributed to the casting capabilities and lower drag of the Centron.
Regarding the decreased drag, it is self-evident and doesn’t require further explanation. Instead, I’ll share my experience with the KastKing Centron’s casting capabilities.
Typically, spinning reels perform well with light lines (below 10-pound test). However, with the KastKing Centron, anything below 10-pound test tends to result in line twists. It also doesn’t work exceptionally well with lines above 10-pound test, although the issue of line twists is not present in this case. Essentially, this combo is not well-suited for light lines and performs better with heavier lines.
While this may not be ideal, considering the smoothness and price point it offers, some trade-offs are to be expected. Beginners who prioritize smoothness but need to keep costs down might find value in giving this combo a try.
9. Okuma ROX Spinning Combo
Features:
The final entry on our list is the Okuma ROX Spinning Combo.
As mentioned earlier, most combos in the $60 price range are of low quality. However, the Okuma ROX is one of the exceptions.
When comparing the Okuma ROX to the Ugly Stik GX2, you are essentially choosing between durability and lightness. Unlike the heavy Ugly Stik GX2, the Okuma ROX leans towards the lighter end of the spectrum. However, it is not as heavy-duty as the Ugly Stik GX2 and is likely to last for only a couple of years.
In terms of strength, the Okuma ROX performs decently with medium power and 12 pounds of stopping power.
Regarding sensitivity, it is passable with moderate-fast action.
In summary, the Okuma ROX is a lightweight option that allows for proper fishing, but it may not have a long lifespan.
Types Of Fishing Rods For Beginners
This section aims to let you know the different options available. This way, you won’t end up settling for a certain type of rod just because you didn’t know other types existed.
We left out spincast rods because they’re a minority and rarely seen. And anyway, we already covered a spincast rod earlier.
Spinning Rods
The first and most commonly used type of fishing rod is the spinning rod.
Spinning rods are known for their ease of use compared to casting rods. They are particularly well-suited for casting light lines (below 10-pound test) and light lures.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t use heavy lines and lures with a spinning rod. It’s just that casting rods are generally more effective in casting heavy lines and lures over longer distances. On the other hand, a spinning rod will excel in casting light tackle farther than a baitcasting rod.
It’s important to remember that a spinning fishing rod should always be paired with a spinning reel. Trying to use any other type of reel with a spinning rod will likely result in casting difficulties and poor fishing performance. Similarly, a casting rod should be paired with a casting reel to ensure proper functionality.
Baitcasting Rods
As discussed earlier, casting rods excel in casting heavy lines (above 10-pound test) and lures over longer distances. They are capable of casting light tackle as well, but their true advantage lies in casting heavier gear.
In addition to increased casting distance, casting rods offer improved casting accuracy. With the right technique and skill, it is possible to cast with pinpoint accuracy using a casting rod.
However, it’s important to note that baitcasting combos can be more challenging to cast with compared to spinning combos. Baitcasting reels require the angler to apply the right amount of thumb pressure and adjust the brakes correctly to achieve smooth and accurate casts. It takes practice and skill to master the art of baitcasting casting techniques.
Fly Fishing Rods
Fly fishing rods indeed have unique characteristics that set them apart from conventional fishing rods. They are designed to be lighter and thinner, specifically tailored for the technique of fly fishing.
Fly fishing rods are intended to be used with weighted fly lines rather than traditional fishing lines. This is because the lures used in fly fishing are flies, which are exceptionally lightweight and almost weightless. If regular fishing line were used with flies, it would be difficult to achieve even short-distance casts. Therefore, fly lines are specially designed to be heavier in weight, allowing for proper casting with flies.
When casting with a fly rod, you will notice loops forming in the line. This is because fly rods have a whip-like action that generates these loops during the casting process. Mastering the casting technique with a fly rod can be considered more challenging than even baitcasting rods. However, with practice and skill development, fly fishing can be a highly enjoyable and rewarding experience.
How To Choose The Best Fishing Rod And Reel Combo
As a newbie, you have very limited knowledge on choosing a good rod and reel. It’s easy to be fooled by a product page that will go on and on about how good the product is. This section aims to teach you exactly what to look out for to identify good (and bad) rod and reel combos.
Construction
The material used to construct a fishing rod, also known as the rod blank, plays a significant role in determining its weight, sensitivity, strength, and durability.
The three primary materials used for rod blanks are carbon fiber (graphite), fiberglass, and composite.
Carbon fiber (graphite) is known for its lightweight nature and high sensitivity. It offers excellent responsiveness, allowing anglers to detect even subtle bites. However, carbon fiber rods may be relatively weaker compared to fiberglass counterparts.
Fiberglass, on the other hand, provides a stronger and more durable rod. It is highly resistant to impact and can handle heavier loads. However, fiberglass rods tend to be heavier and offer less sensitivity compared to carbon fiber rods.
Composite rods are a blend of carbon fiber and fiberglass, offering a balance between weight, sensitivity, strength, and durability. They provide a middle ground in terms of performance characteristics.
It is important to note that there can be exceptions to these generalizations. For instance, there may be lightweight fiberglass rods or graphite rods with increased backbone and strength. Therefore, when choosing a fishing rod, it’s crucial to consider individual specifications such as length, power, and action in addition to the material used in the rod blank.
Rod Length
The length of your fishing rod has a direct impact on casting distance. Longer rods generally allow for greater casting distance. However, it’s important to consider that longer rods also tend to be heavier.
For beginners, a recommended length for a fishing rod is between 6 to 7 feet. This range provides a good balance of casting distance and manageable weight. With a 7-foot rod, you’ll have sufficient casting distance and versatility to fish using various styles and techniques.
However, when it comes to surf fishing, shorter rods are not suitable. For surf fishing, rod lengths typically range from 8 to 12 feet. Starting with a 9- or 10-foot rod is a great choice as it allows you to handle sizable fish while still providing adequate casting capabilities for surf fishing conditions.
Rod Power And Action
The power of a fishing rod refers to the amount of force required to bend the rod. It is measured on a spectrum ranging from ultra-light to extra-heavy. A higher power rating indicates a stronger rod capable of handling larger fish.
The action of a fishing rod refers to how far down the rod it bends when pressure is applied to the tip. Action is categorized as slow, moderate, fast, or extra-fast. Faster action rods tend to be more sensitive, allowing anglers to detect subtle bites from smaller fish.
There isn’t a specific power or action that is recommended exclusively for beginners. Having a stronger and more sensitive rod can be advantageous in various fishing situations. Some may suggest that slower action rods are easier to cast, but this is subjective, and the difference is minimal once you have learned proper casting techniques.
For a beginner fishing rod, it is generally recommended to choose a rod with at least medium power and moderate action. Going below this power range may limit your ability to handle larger fish species, while choosing a less sensitive rod may make it difficult to detect softer bites from fish.
Rod Handle
While the performance of the rod is the most crucial factor, the handle of a fishing rod does contribute to your comfort while fishing and casting.
There are three main materials used for rod handles: cork, EVA foam, and rubber shrink tubing.
Cork handles are known for their durability and provide a relatively secure grip. However, some anglers find them slightly uncomfortable due to their hardness.
EVA foam handles offer the most comfort and provide a firm grip compared to cork handles.
Rubber shrink tubing handles offer the firmest grip and are also quite comfortable.
All three materials offer secure grip even when wet, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a firm grip, rubber shrink tube handles may be the best option. If you value comfort, an EVA handle would be more suitable. Cork handles are favored for their longevity.
It’s important to note that the handle should be a secondary consideration compared to other important factors mentioned previously. Only consider the handle once you are satisfied with the other aspects of the rod.
Reel Seat
The reel seat is another not-so-important factor. That’s why we didn’t talk about the handle and reel seat in our reviews of each beginner’s combo.
The reel seat is quite simple. As long as it’s sturdy, it’ll do.
If you want a lighter setup, then you should get a graphite reel seat, though you’ll have less durability. Otherwise, anything that’s sturdy will do, which includes stainless steel, titanium, and so on.
Ball Bearings
Ball bearings play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operation and performance of fishing reels. The number of ball bearings in a reel impacts its overall smoothness.
Generally, having more ball bearings in a reel leads to smoother operation. However, it’s important to note that the quality of the bearings is equally important as the quantity. The materials used in the bearings significantly impact their performance.
Stainless steel and ceramic are considered high-quality materials for ball bearings. Reels equipped with stainless steel or ceramic ball bearings tend to offer smoother and more efficient operation.
When evaluating a reel, it is advisable to consider both the number of ball bearings and the quality of those bearings, with a preference for stainless steel or ceramic options. This combination ensures optimal performance and a smooth fishing experience.
Reel Body
The reel body is a critical component of a fishing reel, and it should be made from materials that are durable, rugged, and corrosion-resistant.
Some excellent materials to look for in reel bodies include aluminum, stainless steel, carbon fiber, and titanium. These materials offer superior strength and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for various fishing environments.
In particular, if you plan to fish in saltwater, it is essential to choose a reel with materials that can withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater. Saltwater is particularly harsh on reels, so selecting a reel with corrosion-resistant materials is crucial for long-term performance and durability.
Even for freshwater fishing, opting for more robust materials in the reel body is beneficial. This ensures that your fishing reel can withstand the rigors of regular use and has a longer lifespan.
Overall, selecting a fishing reel with a reel body made from durable and corrosion-resistant materials is essential for reliable performance and longevity, regardless of the fishing environment.
Reel Size
When purchasing a rod and reel combo, the manufacturer takes care of pairing the appropriate reel size with the rod. This eliminates the need for the buyer to worry about selecting the right reel size.
Although we mentioned reel size in this buying guide, it was only to emphasize that, with a rod and reel combo, you don’t need to concern yourself with it. The manufacturer ensures that the reel size is appropriate for the rod, so there’s no need to lose sleep over it or spend time deliberating on reel size choices.
By purchasing a rod and reel combo, you can have peace of mind knowing that the reel size is already matched to the rod, allowing you to focus on enjoying your fishing experience without unnecessary complexities.
Final Verdict
Embarking on your first fishing trip is an exhilarating experience, and having the right fishing rod and reel is crucial for a successful and enjoyable outing. Luckily, we have done the research and found the best rod and reel combos for beginners like you.
By now, you should have identified the perfect rod and reel combo that suits your preferences. However, if you’re still undecided, I highly recommend considering the Penn Fierce III Spinning Combo. This top-notch combo offers ease of use, exceptional durability, impressive strength, sensitivity, and features advanced HT-100 drag washers, all at a reasonable price.
Armed with your fantastic rod and reel combo, you’re ready to make a splash on the water. Before you head out, make sure you have the best fishing lures to enhance your chances of success. Now, go out there and enjoy the thrill of catching fish!